Of Lies and Fantasies
Chapter 25: Feed Me More
- Alyssa -
I started to leave unconsciousness when my eyes started opening very slowly. My body felt so slow to move, like even lifting an arm took a lot of effort, so I focused waking up my brain by looking around.
I immediately saw a lot of food around my head from different servings of chicken to bowls of soups of various flavors to slices of beef that were big and small. At the corner of my eye I could see the tip of a hat, one of a lightish-brown color, something very familiar that's just at that tip of my tongue. Aside from that there was nothing else worth seeing because half of my face felt numb.
When I tried to move, which was not easy because my limbs functioned like it was a lagging internet connection with a ten second delay between the input and the display. My head felt foggy. The only good news I could get from all this is that I didn't feel sick so far after I pushed myself off the table, but I wasn't able to balance myself, resulting in me falling backwards to the floor. I try to breathe for a few seconds and get my body to recover.
This felt like I had just woken up from a coma. I stared at the ceiling, trying to draw enough strength to pick myself off the floor. Emphasis on trying. At least I was able to crane my head to the left and see part of Zidane's head. He was still knocked out. To my right there was a pair of empty chairs, seats where the princess of Alexandria and her knight were supposed to be.
I remember now. Dagger put sleeping weed in our food and went out with Steiner to go back to Alexandria. Gods, who knew that sleeping weed packed a punch?
"Zidane." I called out to the thief, hoping that it would rouse him from his sleep. I also didn't know sleeping weed made throats dry because I sounded very hoarse. There was no response or movement from Zidane.
I closed and opened my hands in an attempt to gauge if I can get some feeling back to my limbs. Now they weren't as numb as before since they followed my commands with only slight resistance. 'Gotta wake up Zidane,' I told myself. Once he's up we can get the others awake and get a move on with the story. I don't know how much time's passed since we all hit the floor, but any time I waste not doing anything is time wasted. Pushing myself to my belly, I tried to crawl over to where the KO'd thief was. It took a bit of time but I eventually reached him. My hand grabbed his arm and shook him.
"Zidane. Zidane, wake up!" I tried to shout. It got him to wake, his eyes blinking open as he groaned. His head turned down to me and our brief eye contact made him realize what had just happened since his eyes widened and he sat upright in just a few seconds.
"Dagger! Where's Dagger?" He asked me immediately. I shook my head, which was probably a bad thing to do because I suddenly felt nauseous.
"Not here. So's Steiner." I replied.
"Damn it!" Zidane swore, punching the floor. "What's she thinking?"
I was silent, not because I had nothing else to say but because I was feeling sick. I could feel bile rising in my throat and every bit of concentration I have is focused on stopping myself from throwing up. First I felt numb and now I'm sick. Is this a side effect of the sleeping weed? Zidane didn't look any worse for wear. In fact he looks like he's getting better by the second, aside from feeling frustrated he let Dagger slip through his fingers.
Then I felt Zidane's hand on my shoulder. "Are you alright?" He might've noticed that I haven't said anything. I shake my head and look down, trying to hide my wincing face. "C'mon, let's get you up nice and easy before we wake up the others."
I nod to that and accept his hand. He propped my arm on his shoulders and gently aided me to my feet. I had to lean on the table to avoid wobbling and falling to the floor as he went over to wake Freya and the Regent. Using the edge of the table, I approached Vivi, who was leaning against the table on his face. Thankfully he didn't fall to the floor. I shook his shoulder and called his name. That seemed to get him going as his hat started to move away from the table.
"…Alyssa?" Vivi groggily said. I could see his yellow eyes blinking under his hat, probably fighting off the exhaustion from the sleeping weed. "What happened?"
"Time to wake up." I tell him, my sickness starting to subside a bit. "The princess knocked all of us out and went out. She probably didn't like that she's not allowed to go to Burmecia to stop the queen from doing anything rash."
It took a while for everyone to wake up. After making an assumption about what happened, which I couldn't confirm or deny because it'd complicate things for me, The Regent hopped up on the table looking disappointed.
"We've been had…" Agree with you there, bud, even though I knew it was going to happen. Zidane explained that she only had sleeping weed on her because he thought he had sleeping problems. My question was how was she able to spread out all that sleeping weed on everything we were eating?
"I'm impressed. There's more to her than meets the eye," Freya remarked, unafraid to hide a slight grin.
"Maybe she's heading to Burmecia!" Zidane immediately suggested. The thought of their previous talk was probably the only thing that stood out for him recently.
"Then you might still be able to catch up with her," said the Regent.
We all nodded, agreeing that we had no more time to lose. We are then instructed to leave through the Dragon's Gate located in the base level of the castle, head to Gizamaluke's Grotto on Freya's suggestion, pass through it and get to Burmecia before 'Dagger could do anything drastic'. As logical Zidane's reasoning is with this line of thinking, Dagger's bound to head somewhere she thought she can do something more useful other than head straight to a battlefield.
The Regent then summoned one of his soldiers and asked him to supply us with some useful items like potions and a tent for our journey. He told us that this guy would meet us at the Dragon's Gate. That's pretty nice of the Regent Cid here since our tent is still with Blake. I'm running low on potions because of the Festival too so resupplying is definitely a plus!
"Wasn't our tent with Blake's stuff?" Vivi asked as we made our way to the elevator. I winced. Vivi's got some good memory. That got Zidane to stop for a moment.
"Maybe." But then he started moving again. "But checking up with him if he has it right now is gonna take time. We dunno if it's with him or if it's in the inn with his other stuff in the infirmary. We have to leave as soon as possible."
"And I guess your injured friend will not be joining us due to his condition," Freya added as well. Zidane only nodded once as we arrived in front of the elevator. I could feel Vivi looking at me, probably concerned that we're leaving Blake behind.
"Don't worry about him, Vivi. He's a big boy and he'll understand. Plus, this'll give him time to rest." If only he actually had enough time to rest. He's only rested the minimum amount throughout all our time here. If he ever tries anything reckless again and gets hurt, I don't know what I'd do. Let's just hope he stays safe out there with Dagger and Steiner.
We managed to catch it as it was going down to our floor and it carried a single guard. He looked like he was in a hurry when he ran past us the moment the elevator doors opened for him. As he passed us, I noticed that he had something in his hand: a white envelope.
I gulped. There it was. The game-changer. Everything from here on out might change for the better… or for the worst.
"Alyssa, did you forget anything?" Zidane asked. He already had his hand on the switch on the elevator. I took one more look at the soldier rushing to where Regent Cid was.
"No. Let's go." I boarded the elevator, and with just a flick of a switch we started descending to the base level. I could feel Zidane's eyes still on me. He's definitely seeing through me after what he discovered in the infirmary. I did promise to explain later, yet I'm not sure when the right time is exactly. Maybe before we get to the Grotto or before Burmecia?
'Let's just hope things work out.' I said to myself.
- FF FF FF -
The soldier gave us the low down on the items supplied to us by the Regent: Ten potions, 5 hi-potions, our tent, an elixir for emergencies, and a map as well to help out in directing us to the exact place where the Grotto is. The only thing we needed to complete our 'adventurer's pack' is a compass and a very stylish hat. Guess being stylish while saving a city isn't a main priority.
Well, that was a few hours ago. We've been venturing north-west-ish for some time now and we're more or less fast walking with Zidane's worrying driving us through any monsters that came in our way. It's definitely easier with four people and having the immense skill of a Dragon Knight like Freya around, unlike in the game where you only have three people in your party.
…I need to stop thinking of this as a game. It doesn't feel right anymore. That's Blake's thing anyways. Besides, Blake's tendency of being injured just makes him a walking cautionary tale for me to learn from, as harsh as that sounds it's pretty much true. Even if we know everything that's going to happen, that shouldn't encourage putting every ounce of faith on having that same result happen.
But back to reality...
Freya swatted away the Ladybug Knight's own lance, causing it to spin in the air, and cut down the monster with her own weapon. Another was about to get her from behind, only to be on the receiving end of a Thunder from Vivi. The Dragon Knight nodded her thanks to her savior, getting a nod in return.
I, on the other hand, was helping Zidane sandwich the lone survivor of the Ladybug Knights attacking us. It looked at both Zidane and I and tried to attack. It didn't pan out as it thought as I blocked its lance and slashed its front while Zidane cut deeply into the monster with his thief blades, The Ogre.
Well, we just made short work out of those Mist monsters, our fifth fight since we exited the gate. That gave us some time to reorient ourselves and calm down a bit with a steady pace to our destination. Zidane sheathed his daggers and started headed west according to our map, his pace was almost double our normal walking speed. We were right behind him and I was calling for him to slow down just a bit. He really looks like he's about to break into a run, clearly towards the Grotto.
As much as I want to get to Burmecia and try (and certainly fail, even if I want to change some events, this one is pretty much inevitable right now) to bring the fight to Queen Brahne, running there would only be a big negative since we would be tired and fighting tired is always a bad thing, especially with a mind-controlled Gizamaluke standing in our way to the city with perpetual rain. We just need to take things steadily.
I tried to match his speed and put a hand on his shoulder. I told him everything that was on my mind, about fighting tired and whatnot and not a word about Gizamaluke. That would be a very bad spoiler. He looks at me anxiously, but at least he slowed his walking.
"I know, but…" He looks to the west and then back to me, "Dagger just pulled this stupid stunt just to do what? Prove a point? I mean, come on, doesn't she trust us that we can prevent her mom from doing something stupid too?"
"Dagger's just...worried, you know?" I tell him.
"Who wouldn't be when you mother, out of nowhere, attacks another kingdom without anything foreshadowing this event." Freya added her two cents in. I nodded in agreement.
"Vivi's also worried too." I point to our black mage, who hasn't said a word during this small talk. He's probably spent most of time, when not fighting any monster, wondering about those dolls. "The attackers were said to be like the ones we saw in Dali. You don't see him doing anything drastic like Dagger."
Zidane sighed. "You've got a point there." He let out a breath, running a hand through his hair. "I just want to know if she's safe."
"As determined Dagger is, I doubt she actually knows the way to Burmecia on foot." But let's be honest, she's well educated and she might have at least read up on routes to Burmecia or at most memorized a map.
"Steiner is with her, right?" Vivi asked. We started moving again, not wanting to stay in one spot surrounded by Mist. "Maybe he knows the way?"
Freya hummed, weighing in the possibly of the captain knowing the way to Burmecia on foot. "That's a likely thought, but we can't be certain of that."
"And besides, they may be ahead but they're bound to slow down eventually." I suggested.
I was trying to wrack my brain with more things to say so I can convince Zidane to worry less, but I already ran out of ideas. I mean, he's got a right to be worried, but Dagger's a big girl! She can handle herself. She can fight and heal and surely she won't give in so easily. Also, she has Steiner with her too, her mighty protector. Surely her trusty knight wouldn't let anything hurt her.
And Blake's there too, I suppose. Gods... After what he's been through I don't even know what he'll be able to do. And he's stressing over that person who knows about us.
I can't even believe he's kept that under wraps for some time now! That's just the worst thing about all of it. Not that his condition and physical status might've gotten worse or that he's willing to go on a suicide mission to be able to get home. It's that he kept it a secret from me. I know that, at least, he told me about it, and that still doesn't excuse him for keeping that to himself that it got him hurt, but that he told me AFTER when it was important. We could have worked together in the Festival if he just told me or something! I could've helped!
Okay, now thinking about that has ME stressed. Focus on getting to Burmecia. I'll worry later when we're resting in a neat camp after the Grotto.
So we spent a few more minutes closing the gap to Gizamaluke's Grotto, keeping alert in case some monsters try to ambush us some more. I've started getting used to keeping my hand on my sword's hilt in case of an attack. I did notice that the grass we were walking on started getting taller and darker, which means we're getting somewhere.
Freya noticed it too because I heard her hum from my side. We had Zidane on point, Vivi in the middle with me and Freya on the tail end of our group.
"Be cautious everyone. We're transitioning to new terrain." She told us. We kept that in mind as we continued advancing.
One thing's for sure, we were in the midst of Qu's Marsh. The grass was getting taller up to our knees and the ground started feeling somewhat…moist? For some reason that combination isn't giving me any good vibes despite there not being any sign of danger around. And for some reason, the feeling of Mist started getting lighter.
Zidane unfurled the map once again and stopped us on a much stable portion of dirt. He pointed at the paper and showed it to us.
"We can go with two choices here. Either we go straight through the Marsh..." He suggests.
"The change in terrain might affect our travel time, but we would still be on track to our destination." Freya informed us.
"Or we go around it." Zidane finished.
"So literally cut through or we sidestep," I summarized. Both of the expert travelers nodded. Even if we go in the Marsh or not, I don't think it would affect anything. But having more people with us would give us more people on our side against the forces of Alexandria, which might not be much. Especially with whose heading said forces.
This is probably the most strategy I've gone though in my entire life. It's crazy...
"Don't Qu's live in marshes?" Vivi asked. I could only shrug while the other two tried to think of a sure answer. "My uncle told me most of the Qu he knew live in places like this. Maybe Dagger went by here?"
"If that's true, we might be able to ask the Qus living her if they've seen her." Zidane put a hand on his chin, trying to think if that'll be a good idea or not. "Daylight's running out. If we go through we should hurry so we can make camp closer to the Grotto."
I looked at Freya because this is her quest after all. She was silent, looking intently at the map in Zidane's hands and only peered up once to look at our immediate front to check our current route. But after a few more seconds, she straightens up and sighs.
"Very well. We shall move through the Marsh and we'll make camp once we are nearer to the Grotto. Any information about the princess' whereabouts would be helpful for Zidane's mental being instead of simply wondering if she is safe or not." If that was supposed to tease Zidane then it was effective as he shook his head at her. At least we're all in agreement on what to do next.
"Alrighty then. Let's get moving folks!" Zidane then folded up the map in his hands, deposited it in the bag he was carrying and lead us towards the Marsh.
For some reason my eyes followed Freya as she followed the thief. There was something about how she decided on where to go. She's trying to hide the fact that she really wants to get to Burmecia as fast as possible. Clearly she's anxious to see what's happened with her hometown, especially with how long she's been away from it, but I think she knows that she's not the only one here that wants to get there as much as she does. We all have a stake in this anyways. Hers is defending her home. Vivi's finding out more about the black mages Queen Brahne uses. Zidane's to see if Dagger is safe and help out in any way he can. Mine is getting answers through MJM. Well, that is if he's actually there.
As we continued further, the grass grew taller and taller until it was as high as Freya's lance if it stood straight on the ground. Poor Zidane had to wave his arms around in front of him constantly so he can part what I'm going to call the Faded Green Sea to make way for us. Of course, we have to keep parting the grass so we could see where we were going. Don't want to run into any monsters here since it would be hell to fight in a place like this. Though it would also be a disadvantage for the monsters as well since we could just run and leave them here in the tall grass to avoid fighting them. At least the monsters were considerate since we didn't fight any of them as we traversed the Marsh.
And just to make things worse, the dirt we are walking on right now started to loosen, meaning it's making it harder for us to walk. Vivi and I nearly slipped to the ground, which didn't happen because of the quick reflexes of Freya. Guess add her to the list of people I owe. I started doing knee-high steps to avoid slipping on the dirt. Eventually, we managed to get to some more stable ground and improvised wooden bridges for safer walking. Thank goodness I'm wearing boots. Bad news to Vivi though since his coat is close to the ground. But good news for him, he can wash that dirt off when we get close to Burmecia whether he likes it or not.
Our little group, finally, found the place I've been kinda looking forward to. Emphasis on 'kinda'. I say that because I really don't know how to really react to the Qus here. Even if I've played through the game and finished it, I really found the Qus to be strange, even stranger than how the game shows them. This might get different since I'm meeting one in person.
The grass soon gave way to this somewhat open area with a shallow pond with a better looking wooden bridge used to walk over it. There were frogs there jumping around all over the place. So. Many. Frogs! Just hopping around, ribbiting and being amphibians in their natural habitat and stuff! There's so much of them here I could just basically hold out my hand and one would jump on it. And the reason why they're jumping around in a panic is because of the large creature chasing them, arms opened wide, and flailing helplessly in various attempts to catch one as the frogs hopped around. And it was failing big time.
We stood there staring blankly at what was happening in front of us. I knew we were going to run into Quina, but I didn't expect this to be so silly like this. I didn't know whether I should get back in the grass or say something to break the tension.
"Uh…" Vivi broke the silence with an apprehensive stutter. But that wasn't enough to break our eyes away from the Qu mindlessly running around and trying to get a frog.
"Hungry…" The Qu moaned as the frogs continued to evade its grasp.
"Should we keep going?" Vivi continued with his question, looking at the rest of us for an answer. I shrugged, somewhat torn between saying something so we can move on or keep watching and see for myself if the Qu would be able to catch one by herself. I don't even want to know what Freya's mental reaction is to this. Though I did still turn to her and saw her still stone-faced, unfazed by the scene in front of her! Must be her dragon knight training.
And yes I am calling her, her. Quina sounds like a girly name to me and I'm going to stick with it.
Zidane, on the other hand, didn't hesitate in showing his answer. He had sauntered over near the pond while keeping an eye on a solitary frog that wasn't paying any attention to him. Applying his agility and stealthiness, he managed to snatch the frog from its place and secure it between his gloved hands, making it look so easy anyone could do it. Quina noticed this and was surprised with the ease Zidane had in getting it in his first try.
"Uh...You want this?" The Qu instantly nodded at the question. "Here you go?" Zidane presented the frog to the Qu when he found her immediately by his side. It was quickly snatched from his hands with Quina enjoying the feeling of the amphibian in her hands to the point she was licking her lips. I know they can be gross, but that kind of reaction sent a shiver down my spine. To each their own, I guess?
"You catch frog fast." Quina noted as she admired the frog now in hers grasp. "How?"
The thief looked over to us, silently asking us on what he should do next. I gesture for him to go on, Vivi shrugs unsurely, and Freya shakes her head sternly. We were pretty much no help going by Zidane's expression afterwards before he turned back to Quina.
"Ah...well first you have to slow your approach." He began cautiously. Unfortunately, advice-giving has to happen later when Freya finally stepped forward and placed a hand on Zidane's shoulder.
"Pardon us," Freya cut in before Zidane could say more, giving him a look I couldn't see but it sure made him flinch. "We were just passing through. Let's go before –"
"Quina!"
The Qu rejoicing over her new snack stopped celebrating as a shout came from the grass across us. Another Qu came out and looked disappointed. This one was dressed differently from Quina. If I could compare her attire to a novice cook then this new arrival looked like he belonged in an established restaurant, fancy hat and apron and all.
"What I tell you?" The new Qu began to scold Quina, wagging a finger at her. "You no learn if you no practice on your own. You lucky there always someone help you."
"Someone else?" Zidane repeated, which got him a nod from the elder Qu. This prompted another question from our party leader. "Did someone else pass by here? Like a girl or someone in armor?"
This was met with a frown. "What? No girl or armor." Since Zidane's question was answered their focus went back to Quina. Her recently caught food was then slapped out of her hands.
"Hey!" I stomped over to them in outrage. What the hell? That was uncalled for! "What's wrong with you!?"
"You must catch food yourself. Must learn to walk before run." After offering 'sage' advice, only to me it sounded like the clichéd mentor sayings from the movies I've seen, the Qu turned to Zidane. "Please follow me."
"What a jerk," I muttered loud enough for Zidane and Freya to hear but soft enough for it not to reach the Qu's. The two only nodded as we watched Quina briefly. I didn't really dwell on the character of her mentor that much since he doesn't come up that often in the main story or Quina's, aside that one confrontation during my 100% run, but man he's really making me wish there were still dialogue boxes so I can skip them.
Vivi, not knowing how to contribute to the conversation, walked in with a new frog in his hands. How he got that without falling on his face, I have no idea. He probably got lucky with an inattentive frog or was just a quick learner. He then went to Quina and offered it to her. Aww! Vivi you sweet, innocent, lovely soul. Never change.
"Thank you." She said. That brought a smile back to her face.
What didn't bring a smile to OUR faces was the speed she devoured said gifted animal. Just seeing her shove it into her mouth and gobble it all up in one go made me freeze in my spot with my face twisted up in a combo of disgust and shock for her eating habit.
"Um...You're welcome?" That was Vivi being polite, but I could see his yellow eyes were as wide a saucers at what he had just seen. I'm not sure what Freya and Zidane's reactions were because I had already walked into the grass, wishing I could remove the brain cells that have that scene engraved as memory.
As confused Zidane was for the sudden request by Quina's mentor, we still followed his lead and wound up getting to the Qu's home. The closer we got the more we could see the features of their humble abode. It's slightly elevated from the dirt and it required to walk up a flight of wooden stairs. There's a certain charm to it when you see how drab the marsh looks like, especially with some of the worn out cooking materials strewn about the outside. The inside isn't too shabby. More cooking utensils decorated the interior wall shelves, placed in cabinets, or were hung about, ones made from clay to simple steel. It's surprising how well decorated this place looks. The one window looking to the backside of the building was right where the Qu situated himself in, giving a good view of grass, dirt, and more grass along with a nice breeze if the wind passes by.
Student and teacher, who were finally formally introduced as Quina and Quale respectively to the others, were arguing about Quina's current training and how she needs to broaden her tastes, from just simple frogs to more delicacies, by beginning to travel the world, despite Quina's love of frogs. I wouldn't disagree with her, but frogs aren't really my thing anyway. Not that I hate them, but I just haven't eaten one.
I didn't listen too much since I wasn't the one who was asked to listen so I stuck by the doorway with Freya. Zidane was up at the forefront with Vivi at his side. Freya, on the other hand, was taking this quite nicely despite her hometown being ravaged by black mages as we speak, though I noticed one of her feet tapping rhythmically on the wooden floor.
When it came to the important question of letting Quina travel with us so she can expand her horizons, Zidane was on the fence about it. Vivi looks like he's okay with it. They weren't able to ask our opinions because Quale was hasty, thinking that Quina may need to prove herself.
"Quina cook for you!" Quale said. "Can cook something out of anything...usually."
"Wait, what's that last part supposed to mean?" I inquired when I heard him mutter his last sentence.
"I try get food!" I got no answer from her mentor when she exited the house and sought out said food by going north into the grass. Zidane gave the go to follow her. But then Vivi stopped before we could get far.
When asked why he's stopping, he replied with, "Um...That man looks exactly like my grandpa."
I could almost hear the gears whirring in the minds of Zidane and Freya. Why would a kid like Vivi have a grandpa looking like a Qu? And it's a really curious thing since the only family he's talked about is his grandpa so far. So you could see Zidane and I look at each other for a moment, not knowing how to respond to that. Vivi's fiddling with his fingers for a while before Zidane finally tries to clarify what Vivi just said, which got him a nod.
"Yeah...Maybe he knows my grandpa." Vivi added. "I'm gonna go talk to him, Zidane."
"Alright, Vivi. I'll stay here just in case," Zidane says as he points to his exact spot.
"I guess I'll go see where Quina is getting food from," I pointed my thumb over to where she headed off to."
Freya then stepped to my side. "I'll come along as well. It's a miracle we haven't encountered monsters out here so far. It would be best to have the two of us around when we do get in a fight."
Hard to disagree there. So we went and tried to catch where Quina went. What she would be cooking for his mentor we'll know when we find her. It wasn't that long when going through the grass that we heard a commotion punctuated by a growl that sounded like it was trapped underwater. When we cleared the grass, we found Quina being attacked by two monsters. These ones stood on four limbs and had slimy, fleshy pink skin like it had just crawled out of a pond or whatever and seaweed-y type tendrils on its head with a darker pink color. I think these guys are called Axolotl.
One of them bared its fangs at the Qu, which she responded to pulling out a hilariously oversized fork from under her apron. How it managed to stay there without falling out, I dunno. The first one didn't waste time and charged. It was met with a simple swing of Quina's fork, the flat side brushing the monster aside. She was somewhat ready for the second Axolotl's follow-up when she clumsily jumped back. Due to her awkward dodge, she toppled over and flattened the second pink creature, leaving her vulnerable for the first attacker. She wasn't able to recover in time for its second go-around, but it wasn't able to touch her when Freya cut it down in a blink of an eye.
The dragon knight only nodded at the Qu as she struggled to get back up after we heard her yelp in pain. The Axolotl beneath her took a bite at her and still had its teeth gripping part of her back, still holding on to the Qu for dear life. When she realized the effectiveness of her accidental dodge earlier, she tried to do it again but this time rolled on the ground and further squashed the fleshy amphibian over and over again until it fell and stayed on the ground after numerous times being sandwiched between the ground and Quina.
It was a...unique attack that I had to clap after seeing it. Not every day you see someone take out a monster by rolling back and forth. And I think Freya's kinda impressed too with how she's nodding.
So with these Axolotl finally dead, she puts each one under one arm and cheerily declares, "Hunt done! Now eat!"
"Please don't gobble them up. Please don't gobble them up. Please don't gobble them up." I repeated to myself. My brain flashed back to a few minutes ago when she easily ate that frog in a matter of seconds. I remembered also that she could instantly eat enemies mid battle if they're weak enough.
Thankfully, she didn't shove them in her mouth as she started going back the way we came from. Freya could tell I was relieved when it didn't happen because she nudged me forward and I nearly toppled over because I froze up after thinking about it.
As we followed the Qu skipping through the grass, we stumbled upon something familiar to me but totally unfamiliar and unimportant to the other two ladies I'm with, for now anyways. A worn out entrance leading below the marsh blockaded by weak chains. I couldn't help but stare at it as we passed it because I knew we needed to find this again when we pass by here again later.
Of course, Freya's very observant eyes didn't miss this. "Something wrong?"
I whipped my head to the Burmecian and shook it. "No...uh, not at all. I thought I saw something over there."
She raised her eyebrow at me for at least a second before letting things slide, continuing behind Quina, who didn't even bother to wait for us. When I looked back, I saw this figure covered in a brown coat standing there behind the chains. That wasn't there before. I blinked and rubbed my eyes, thinking that I'm starting to get tired. The figure wasn't there anymore when I looked. Now I'm really seeing things.
"We should go." Freya called to me, grass rustling following as she went after Quina's trail. I dunno if I should tally that as my mind playing tricks on me or that I should find some time to lay down.
We eventually got back to Quale's house and saw him, Zidane, and Vivi waiting for us. Weirdly enough, the older Qu had set up some cooking materials there as well as a fire to warm things up. Zidane didn't like the wait as he had taken to hanging upside down on the railing near the stairs while Vivi had sat down on the steps. They both got up when they saw us arrive. Even Quale looked pleased as punch to see us.
"Finally!" He exclaimed with some impatience in his voice. "Now impress visitors with meal."
"I don't think that is necessary." Freya interjected. "We're only passing through to get to Gizamaluke's Grotto—"
"Grotto on right of house, slightly towards north. If walk on shallow pond, you go too far." Quale interrupted her. "But stay for few minutes!"
I could see how miffed Freya is getting with all these delays. I mean I would be mad right now with how Quale is being and I would punch him in his big gut if he interrupted me like that. But thankfully two growling stomachs put a stop to that. And these stomachs belonged to Zidane and Vivi.
"Oops..." Vivi looked down as if the tips of his shoes became so interesting so suddenly.
Zidane laughed, scratching the back of his head. "Can't help it."
"More reason to stay!" Quale gleefully stated. He's really pushing for us to go through with this.
As much as Freya wanted to just push aside Quale and get to the Grotto as soon as possible, she lets out a sigh to calm herself and straightens her posture. "Fine. But no more delays after this." Vivi and I were instantly nodding, not wanting to get on her bad side.
Zidane nods. "Alright. When the food comes in we dig in fast." He adds with a salute, grinning at the thought of eating food that won't knock him out.
Speaking of our food, our short argument didn't slow Quina down as she was already getting into prepping the two Axolotl like cutting them into small pieces, removing the big bones we would choke on, adding seasonings and whatnot. She was zipping between getting ingredients to making sure that the meat doesn't burn up. While we were watching this unique sight, I noticed Vivi's attention was somewhere else. I knelt beside him to see if he wanted to talk.
"Thinking about something else other than food?" I asked him gently.
"Oh. Uh...yeah." He was looking at Quale, who was busy coordinating Quina with her work.
"How was your talk about your grandpa?"
"He didn't know him and he was kinda rude."
"Also that guy's a horrible liar." Zidane added, giving his insight since he was there when it happened. I bet he was when he's the first one to name drop Vivi's uncle.
I put a hand on Vivi's shoulder. "Don't mind that guy, Vivi. Who knows? Maybe it's something personal between them? It still doesn't excuse the fact that he lied about it."
"I know," he black mage replied, but his voice had this wistful tone to it. "But I was hoping he would tell me something about him."
I don't remember exactly how long Vivi knew his grandpa before the story began, but I understand why he wants to learn more about him. It's like that sense of longing after only knowing someone for a short while and wanting to know more about them. And it's worse for Vivi because his grandpa is the closest he has to family. All that curiosity he has with himself and of everything around him had to be answered eventually.
As I was standing up, I nearly jumped when Quina had just pulled up right in front of us with a clay plate filled with freshly cooked meat on it. The smell of the spices used on it calmed my fast beating heart after Quina surprised me. From behind her Quale was urging us to take a piece. I guess it wouldn't hurt to try it first. I took a bite out of one of the slices...
"Hmmm..." I hummed, my chewing slowing down so I could swallow. "It's pretty good!"
With that kind of recommendation, the others started get their own slices while the two Qus watched for any kind of reaction. Zidane was nodding as he took another bite of his piece, Vivi agreed with my statement by repeating it with a surprised tone, and Freya looked impressed. I finished mine before the others could even finish their own reactions.
"How come you eat frogs when you can cook this up?" Zidane asked in mid-chew.
"Frogs tasty! Frogs favorite." Quina simply responded.
"What you say?" Quale sauntered over to Zidane, nudging his side with an arm. "Bring student along?" Oh it must be about their conversation while we were away he's trying to convince Zidane to have Quina along so she can see the world and its delicacies. But he's not really asking the right person. Zidane's the one acting like the leader of the pact, but this is Freya's quest at the moment. We're just along for the ride because we want to help and get answers.
And to make that point even more obvious, Zidane looked over to Freya for an official answer. She gave him a nod as she swallowed her last bite.
"Well were not gonna be traveling the whole world, but sure. We'll show Quina around." Zidane finally said.
Pleased to hear that, Quale clapped and went back up to his house to get something. Quina was excited to hear this, bouncing around while still holding on to the plate with what remained of the Axolotl dish she cooked up. And she shared this feeling by hugging the hell out of Zidane.
"O..kay. You're...welcome." He tried to say, but between the constant jumping, being squeezed by the Qu's arms, and face full of apron, he wasn't able to say it properly. "Help..."
"Okay, let's not choke the monkey boy." I laughed. And he looked like he was about to pass out. I had to step in before we had to carry Zidane out of the marsh.
Quale came back with a bag and handed it to his student. Quina accepted it and stashed it in the pocket in her large apron. That piece of clothing looked like she could stuff Vivi there and it wouldn't even bother her. Well, she has to have enough space if she's to carry a big-ass fork with her. And to truly show how happy he is for his student, he put aside his attitude and told us the proper to get out of the marsh while being on track towards the Grotto. I'm sure Freya's glad that we're making some progress now.
We left the master chef's home fed by the quick meal by our new teammate, which I think should last us by a few more hours until we have to sit down and rest. It took us barely a minute with Quina guiding us through the marsh's tall grass. The field blanketed by the mist almost looked welcoming after going through grass almost triple Vivi's height. Even though we had gotten through the Qu's home almost not encountering any monsters that didn't shake our cautious senses as we continued through the field with hands at the ready for any monster that comes our way. Well except Quina, she only licked her lips upon Freya's warnings of any possible monster attack. I dunno if I should be afraid or glad she might eat any poor monster that would attack us.
We continued to pass along as we closed the gap between us and the Grotto. One telling sign of us getting nearer is the mountainside starting to get bigger, our passageway narrower now. I could sense Freya getting tenser as we neared the Grotto, her shoulders were as stiff as the cliffs above us as she readily wielded her spear. She and I had the tail end of our current formation, and I was planning on picking her brain on her thoughts about her hometown's current condition, but I guess she noticed me staring at her and broke her silence.
"If you were curious, yes, I worry for Burmecia." She spoke, eyes on constant lookout around us.
"I know you can't help it." I replied. "When someone attacks your home you can't help but wonder why and if things will ever be the same."
She gives me a careful look for a moment before nodding. Was there something I said? "Yes. Alexandria's action might cause a war and wars never tend to have a positive result for any side. I just hope we can, at least, save Burmecia. I would never want my city to be under the control of that horrible queen. And to think someone like her would ever be able to have the gall to push through with an attack like this."
To be fair, Queen Brahne is being played like a fiddle by someone else more ambitious. She wouldn't have attacked anything without someone whispering in her ear. "Power does make people's heads get big. Guess she's past her breaking point now if this means anything."
The dragon knight nodded. Her eyes glance over to Vivi and Quina, both walking at the center of our group. "What I worry the most is having involved too many people on a personal mission like this."
"No big. Aside from Zidane, who's probably in too many fights as long as he's been a thief and clearly can handle himself, I'm sure Vivi and Quina, with his black magic and her talent to...eat...monsters," I couldn't help but shudder. "They're no slouch themselves. We might not be the best fighting group but I know we'll try our best to help you out."
"Thank you. I appreciate your help."
"Besides, I've never been to Burmecia." That's technically the truth since I've personally not been there. "Might be cool to see it myself."
"You might like it more if you happen to visit on a more peaceful time."
"Hey guys, I think I can see the entrance!" Zidane called out to the rest of the group, waving over to our left in the distance. There is an opening at the point he was pointed at. I guess we're here after all and our rest will have to wait.
At least I was able to lift Freya's spirits in a way. We've gotten to the point of no return for this part of the story's initial plot. After this it's all about stopping the Queen from putting more damage on the other kingdoms. Let's just hope we'll still be able to do that without much of a problem.
A/N: Hey there! Thanks for reading another chapter of OLaF. You might notice this is a bit shorter than the past four chapters, hitting up to 7.8k words compared to the 10k Chapter 24. Well most of the chapters building up to the Festival of the Hunt was around 10k. Might be because I'm just transitioning to the plot-heavy end of Disc 1. Because of this I'm considering of uploading another chapter this month. Maybe...
I hope you guys and girls enjoyed this chapter. If you have any thoughts about part then send it over via review or PM. See you folks in the next update!